as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
The agency will likely release a report with preliminary findings within the next month.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The sheriff's office preliminary determined that the body belonged to the missing teenager.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
From extension removal to a preliminary cut and a few rounds of color, the transformation took a total of four days to complete with the help of celebrity colorist Jacob Schwartz.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
The agency will likely release a report with preliminary findings within the next month.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
In 1988: Greg Louganis won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard at the Seoul Olympics one day after hitting his head on the diving board during the preliminaries.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The sheriff's office preliminary determined that the body belonged to the missing teenager.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
Pacific Ridge School, an independent, co-ed, college preparatory day school in Carlsbad, started its 19th academic year with the Annual Trustee Dinner.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Those preparatory projects included the installation of new capping roofs to weatherproof the buildings for a long period of care and maintenance, as well as the rerouting of electrical supplies and de-planting of boiler equipment.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Known as Kristallnacht, it is considered a prelude to the Holocaust.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The week-long extravaganza, which includes events in Los Angeles, as well as content across Paramount platforms, will act as a fittingly extravagant and entertaining prelude to the 83rd Golden Globes ceremony.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Watch for promotions such as gift cards or introductory pricing for new customers.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The consumer’s journey includes a introductory questionnaire that covers sizes and style preferences as well as an ongoing dialogue with a human stylist.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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